Dalvin Cook hoping to return for Vikings vs. Packers

The Minnesota Vikings running back is dealing with a groin injury.

After an impressive performance on the field in 2019, the Minnesota Vikings decided to reward running back Dalvin Cook with a contract extension in September.

Some didn’t agree with the Vikings’ decision to give Cook more money and sign him to a long-term deal. But so far this year, the running back has made Minnesota’s choice look like a good one.

Cook has been excellent all season long, but during the third quarter of the Vikings’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, the running back suffered a groin injury. His injury kept him out for the rest of the game and he was also unable to suit up for Minnesota’s last matchup with the Atlanta Falcons.

Minnesota Vikings hoping to have their top running back return for Week 8

On Wednesday, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was asked about Cook’s status for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Zimmer revealed that the running back will practice this week and he expects him to be on the field this weekend for Minnesota.

Cook took questions from the local Twin Cities media on Wednesday as well and he confirmed that he will attempt to practice this week. The running back said they will see things go after Wednesday, but he made it known that he feels “good.”

The Vikings are big underdogs heading into their next matchup against the Packers. If Minnesota is going to have any shot at getting a win this weekend, they are going to need Cook back out on the field.

During their loss to the Falcons in Week 6, Minnesota’s rushing attack was pretty much non-existent without their top running back in the lineup. Against Atlanta, the Vikings finished with just 32 rushing yards after averaging 160.6 yards on the ground during their previous five games.

If Cook is able to play this weekend, Minnesota will have to do a much better job at getting him more touches than the amount he had during the team’s first meeting with Green Bay earlier this season.

The Vikings top running back only had 13 touches against the Packers in Week 1 and that cannot happen again on Sunday if Minnesota is going to have any sort of chance at pulling off an upset.